From Runway to Boardroom: How Xavier Walker & Norka Vasquez Built Caribbean Fashion Collective

Fashion Week is a week away, and Ask Nyomi: Bridging the Gap is bringing on two people host Nyomi Banks calls her "fashion industry children" — Xavier Walker and Norka Vasquez, co-founders of Caribbean Fashion Collective (CFC). Nyomi has watched both of them grow from models into industry builders, and this episode is a front-row seat to that evolution.Xavier and Norka break down what it actually took to land Caribbean Fashion Collective a spot on the CFDA New York Fashion Week calendar — for the second time — and why that matters far beyond the glitz of a runway show. They talk about being recognized by Essence, the reality of being "gatekeepers" trying to open more doors instead of just one, and their long-term vision to expand CFC beyond New York into a full Caribbean tour and eventually Europe.The conversation gets personal fast. Norka shares the unvarnished story of how CFC actually got funded — an unexpected move-out payout from a landlord, a friend's spare room in Harlem, and a decision to bet that money on a company instead of an apartment. It's a real, no-gloss look at what founding something from nothing actually looks like, plus their advice for the next generation of Caribbean creators and models trying to build their own platforms.In this episode, you'll learn:What it means to be selected for the CFDA New York Fashion Week calendar — twiceHow Caribbean Fashion Collective is creating opportunities for historically excluded Caribbean creatorsXavier and Norka's vision for CFC's future: a Caribbean tour, European expansion, and mentorship for designers back homeThe real, unplanned financial risk behind founding CFCWhy having "someone in your corner" matters when you're building something from scratchTheir advice to models and creatives who want to build their own platform instead of waiting to be chosenAbout Xavier Walker & Norka Vasquez Xavier Walker and Norka Vasquez are co-founders of Caribbean Fashion Collective, a platform creating visibility and opportunity for Caribbean creators in the fashion industry. Both started as models — including work with IS By Nyomi Banks — before building CFC into a CFDA-recognized New York Fashion Week presence, with recognition from Essence and a growing footprint aimed at expanding across the Caribbean and into Europe.Connect with Caribbean Fashion Collective:Check their official website and socials for Fashion Week show details and season updatesConnect with Nyomi Banks / Ask Nyomi: Bridging the Gap:Email for love, sex & relationship advice: [email protected] Nyomi at New York Fashion Week this week supporting Caribbean Fashion CollectiveNew: Nyomi's Intimate Corner on PatreonUpcoming: Souls (horror film, written and executive produced by Nyomi, directed by Dog Pound Mike Mike) coming to Tubi, plus Caught 2 on the waySEO Keywords / TagsCaribbean Fashion Collective, CFDA Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, Caribbean designers, fashion entrepreneurship, from model to founder, Xavier Walker, Norka Vasquez, building a fashion brand, Caribbean creators, fashion industry diversity, Essence recognition, Nyomi Banks, Ask Nyomi Bridging the Gap, entrepreneurship podcast, fashion week special episode ASK NYOMI: BRIDGING THE GAPHost: Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love)Co-Host: Dog Pound Mike MikeThank you for tuning in! We appreciate you being part of the BTG community 📧 HAVE A QUESTION? Submit your questions, stories, and advice requests:Email: [email protected] line: Your question or topic 🌐 VISIT US ONLINE:Website: AskNyomi.comPersonality Quiz: Discover your coaching path 📱 FOLLOW ON SOCIAL:Instagram: @asknyomiFacebook:@asknyomiTwitter/X: @AskNyomiBTG 💻 EXPLORE MORE:Elevate Me: Self-Discovery App (Studio.com/nyomi)Talk To Me Tuesday: Listener Letters Podcast (Returns Fall 2026)The Season of Self Love: Monday Mindset & Wednesday Action (YouTube, Spotify, all platforms) 2026 THEME: "Reclaimed & UnashamedBe good to one another and yourselves.Always keep it sexy.— Nyomi Banks, Da Goddess of Self Love